Co-op students at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) will benefit from $75,000 in one-time funding, part of a $1.3-million announcement to 16 public post-secondary institutions following the launch of Co-op Week celebrations today.

The funding will provide outreach to leverage more employers to the program and increase awareness of the benefits of co-op placements to potential employers and students. An additional $100,000 will be provided to ACE, the Association for Co-operative Education, a non-profit organization that works with post-secondary institutions in British Columbia that offer co-operative education programs.

Programming in co-op education combines academic studies with paid work experience in career-related fields. Co-op students have opportunities to apply their learning, gain employment-related skills and make connections with employers, better preparing them for entry into the workforce.

Employers benefit from the energy, fresh ideas, knowledge and skills that co-op students bring. Co-op placements also provide employers with an opportunity to assess new talent for future recruitment after graduation.

Government support for co-operative education aligns with commitments in the BC Jobs Plan, #BCTech Strategy and B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint. Co-op programs are offered across many program areas, including programs leading to the range of occupations needed in the technology sector.

B.C. Co-op Week runs from March 14 -18, 2016.

Quotes:

Todd Stone, MLA for Kamloops-South Thompson –

“Thompson Rivers University has a fantastic reputation for producing students ready for the workforce. Co-op education enables students to learn the skills and tools in an environment that builds their confidence and prepares them in their field of study.”

Terry Lake, MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson –

“As a former co-op student, I know first-hand that co-op education can be a vital stepping stone to a great career. When students are employable after graduation and can help boost local businesses by becoming an employee, we all win.”

Alan Shaver, TRU president and vice-chancellor –

“One of TRU’s priorities is increasing student success through academic and hands-on learning. Co-op experiences fully develop our students’ knowledge and skills and supports their career successes. We are grateful for the additional support from government because it will enable TRU to build more awareness by employers and students about the mutual benefits of co-op.”

Carlee Poleschuk, TRU nuclear medicine student and ACE Co-op Student of the Year for 2015 –

“Without this work term, and the co-op experience, I probably never would have found my passion for nuclear medicine.”

Quick Facts:

• Between now and 2024, British Columbia expects to have almost one million job openings.
• Approximately 42% of job openings will require college education or apprenticeship training.
• 36% will require university and/or significant work experience.
• 18% will require high school and/or occupation-specific training.

Learn More:

BC Jobs Plan: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcjobsplan/

#BCTech Strategy: https://bctechstrategy.gov.bc.ca/

BC’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint: https://www.workbc.ca/Training-Education/B-C-s-Skills-for-Jobs-Blueprint/Learn-about-Blueprint.aspx

Association for Co-operative Education (ACE): http://www.co-op.bc.ca